Alonso's long climb back to the summit

McLaren's Fernando Alonso trekking up a mountain last weekend offers the perfect visual metaphor for the season ahead.

It's been five years since the two-time world champions won a race, and four years since McLaren has been on the podium.

The uphill struggle for the Spaniard and the Woking-based outfit since they joined forces again in 2015 has been long and painful, but the summit may soon be in sight...